Thu, Jul 22, 2004 - Page 7 News List

Care expert helps conjoined twins adjust to surgery

AP , NEW YORK

"It's the sort of things that the doctors and nurses don't really have time for, but it makes a big difference to the kids. It's 100 percent rewarding," she said.

An unfortunate reality of the job is sometimes dealing with the death of a child and its effect on parents, siblings and the specialists themselves.

"You help them get what they need," she said. "We had a death, and the little brother had to come back and see where it all happened. So we took him and the parents through it."

Serraro said it's important not to become too close to her patients, a challenge when children are involved. She knows a delicate case like the conjoined twins is fraught with sad possibilities.

"We love them, of course. How could you not?" she said, gesturing toward the boys as Carl played with a plastic stethoscope and Clarence smiled at his mother. "But we know as well as anybody what's involved. We'll deal with it."

Serraro said of the day the twins will be separated, "That will be such a big day. They're coming to an exciting time, a whole new world."

This story has been viewed 2184 times.
TOP top